Tuk-tuks in Johannesburg

One of the most enterprising and unusual additions to Johannesburg’s growing public transport network are the distinctive fleets of tuks-tuks based in Sandton Central and Melville. These small three-wheeled vehicles, which can carry up to three passengers, are ubiquitous in India and South-East Asia, where they are a popular and inexpensive alternative to taxis.

Tuk-tuks arrived in Johannesburg in the early 2010s and have grown steadily in popularity with commuters travelling short distances through the suburbs or across the busy Sandton business district.

In Sandton you will find the Shesha Tuks fleet parked on West Street near the Sandton Gautrain station. These tuk-tuks operate within in a 5km radius of the Sandton CBD and are particularly useful for tourists without their own transport who want to visit popular nearby suburbs such as Parkhurst, Illovo and Benmore. Fares start from R25 for a 3km journey.

Based in Melville, the e-tuktuk service serves Braamfontein, Fordsburg, Greenside, Westdene and other nearby suburbs. E-tuktuk charges a flat fee of R50 for all journeys and tuk-tuks can be booked in advance by phone like any normal taxi service.

Both tuk-tuk services run daily from around 6.30am to between 8pm and 9pm.